1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 1995 Ferrari 512 M
To start off, 1995 Ferrari 512 M is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1995 Ferrari 512 M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ferrari 512 M (423 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 400. (315 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ferrari 512 M should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 363 kg more than 1995 Ferrari 512 M.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1995 Ferrari 512 M (500 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ferrari 400. (412 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1995 Ferrari 512 M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ferrari 400. 1979 Ferrari 400 has automatic transmission and 1995 Ferrari 512 M has manual transmission. 1995 Ferrari 512 M will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ferrari 400 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 1995 Ferrari 512 M | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 400 | 512 M |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 4942 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 412 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1818 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2560 mm |
